Ohio, with its diverse climate & ever-changing weather patterns, is no stranger to storms. From tornados, thunderstorms in the summer, & heavy snowfall in the winter, Ohioans have seen it all.

But, as any seasoned homeowner will tell you, enduring a storm is one thing; being adequately prepared for it is another. This guide aims to equip homeowners with the knowledge & tools to prepare for storms & face Ohio’s unpredictable weather head-on.

Why Every Ohio Homeowner Should Prioritize Storm Preparedness

Ohio’s Meteorological Mosaic

The Buckeye State’s weather isn’t just varied; it can be volatile. From tornados, unexpected thunderstorms, & intense blizzards, the need for emergency preparation is paramount.

Safety First

The safety of your family & property hinges on how well you’re prepared. Taking steps in advance can reduce the risk of injuries & potential damage to your home in an emergency.

Cost-Efficiency

Investing in storm planning can save you from spending on repairs, replacements, & other unforeseen expenses that come with unpreparedness.

Steps to Ensure You’re Storm-Ready in Ohio

Stay Informed: Regularly monitor local weather updates & alerts. With Ohio’s unpredictable weather & potentially severe storms, it’s crucial to rely on reputable weather apps or tune in to local news channels for accurate & timely warnings. By staying informed, you’re taking the first & most crucial step towards safeguarding your home & loved ones in an emergency.

Secure Your Home:

Storm Shutters

Ensure that your windows are equipped with sturdy shutters, are boarded up, or have heavy plastic sheeting in place. This not only protects against flying debris in strong winds but also offers an added layer of insulation during cold Ohio storms.

Tree Maintenance

Prepare for storms by trimming trees, especially those close to your home or power lines. Overgrown or weak branches can become hazardous projectiles during high winds & heavy rain, potentially causing damage or power outages.

Roof Inspections

Regularly inspect your roof for any signs of wear, damage, or potential vulnerabilities. A strong roof is your home’s first line of defense against the battering of Ohio’s storms, protecting against leaks, water damage, & even potential cave-ins from the weight of heavy snow or debris.

Waterproofing & Drainage

Ensure that your home’s foundation is adequately waterproofed & that you have effective drainage systems in place, such as French drains or sump pumps, especially in low-lying areas. Ohio’s storms can bring heavy rainfall, leading to potential flooding.

Prepare for storms with a good drainage system. This prevents water buildup around your home, safeguarding your house against foundation damage and basement flooding.

Create an All-Encompassing Storm-Ready Emergency Supplies Kit

Non-Perishable Food

Stock up on canned goods, dried fruits, & energy bars. Having at least three days of food per person ensures nourishment during extended power outages or if roads become impassable during an emergency.

Clean Water

Store at least one gallon of water per person per day, ideally for three days. Emergency clean water is vital for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, especially when regular water sources become contaminated or unavailable. Be sure & drink plenty of water so you don’t get dehydrated.

Medications

Keep a week’s supply of prescription medications & over-the-counter essentials. In times of a prolonged emergency, having essential medicines on hand can be a lifesaver.

Flashlights With Extra Batteries

Opt for LED flashlights for their longer lifespan. In the absence of power, a reliable source of light can aid in navigation, signal your location for help, and boost morale during the dark hours. Battery-powered lights are typically easier to keep fresh than rechargeable ones.

First-aid Emergency Kit

Equip your emergency first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, & other basics. Immediate medical attention can be crucial in preventing infections or complications from scrapes, cuts, or other injuries.

Battery-Powered Radio

Access to news and emergency broadcasts can keep you informed when the internet, cell phone, & power are down. Remember to store extra batteries.

Local Maps

While many rely on digital maps, having a physical map can guide you if you have to navigate when digital devices fail.

Important Documents

Store copies of crucial documents like insurance policies, medical records, & bank account numbers in a waterproof container in a safe place. These can expedite recovery processes & are essential if evacuating in an emergency.

Multipurpose Tool

Tools that can cut, pry, or turn can be invaluable, whether it’s for making minor repairs or accessing supplies. Having one multi-purpose tool in a place that you don’t have to look for can be a lifesaver in your emergency kit.

Blankets or Sleeping Bags

Ohio’s storms can bring intense cold. Warm coverings can protect against hypothermia & ensure a restful sleep. If you are the one with power after a storm, you can be prepared for friends, neighbors, and family as guests.

Sanitation Supplies

Prepare for storms well in advance and stock up on items like wet wipes, hand sanitizers, & garbage bags. Maintaining hygiene can prevent the spread of diseases & offer a semblance of normalcy in challenging times.

Plan Evacuation Routes

Ohio, with its unique geographic layout & meteorological challenges, demands special attention when it comes to evacuation planning. Given the state’s history with severe weather events, from tornados to intense snowstorms, along with having your car’s gas tank full, having a well-charted evacuation route can mean the difference between safety and trouble.

• Mapping Multiple Routes: While it’s essential to know the primary ways out from your home & community, it’s equally important to have alternative paths mapped out. Roads can become quickly obstructed by fallen trees, floods, or other storm-related debris in Ohio’s diverse weather conditions.
• Identifying Safe Havens: Check for storm shelters & safe zones near you. You may simply have to get to those areas & not necessarily make a long trip.
• Stay Updated with Ohio’s Emergency Management Agency: The OEMA regularly updates evacuation routes, especially during peak storm seasons. Their guidelines are tailored to Ohio’s specific challenges & offer invaluable insights on the safest routes & potential hazards.
• Post-Storm Considerations: After a severe storm, Ohio’s roads might be impassable due to flooding, snow accumulation, or storm debris. There might also be disruptions in public transportation or infrastructure damages, making leaving your home or community a risky endeavor. It’s crucial to understand that, in the aftermath of a significant weather event, you might be homebound for several days or even longer. Ensure you have sufficient supplies & essentials to weather this period of confinement.
• Regular Drills and Discussions: Organize regular family drills to practice your escape routes. You can make this a fun event like a picnic or a trip to a park on your route. This not only familiarizes everyone with the paths but also helps identify potential challenges or changes that might have occurred since the last drill.

Backup Generators – An Option to Prepare for Storms

Many homeowners in Ohio have invested in a reliable home backup generator. Here’s why:

Consistent Power Supply

When lines go and electricity is out, your backup generator ensures that your home doesn’t skip a beat, keeping appliances running & rooms illuminated.

Preventing Property Damage

With continuous power, systems like sump pumps can avert basement flooding, freezers can prevent food spoilage, & pipes won’t freeze, even if you are away from home when you lose power.

Safety and Comfort

In extreme temperatures, having power means maintaining a comfortable home temperature, which can be life-saving.

Storm Preparation: An Ongoing Commitment to Safety and Resilience

Ohio Storm preparation is much more than a simple item to check off your to-do list. It’s an ongoing journey that underscores a homeowner’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding their loved ones, cherished possessions, & the structural integrity of their homes.

In the face of Ohio’s unpredictable & sometimes tumultuous weather patterns, taking the time to stay informed, secure your home, map out escape routes, prepare, & assemble a comprehensive emergency kit isn’t just practical—it’s paramount.

Don’t leave your storm preparedness to chance. Plan ahead, be wise, be ready, & if you are considering a home backup power solution, contact Generator One for unmatched power security during Ohio’s unpredictable weather.

Contact us today about a backup generator for your home or business. (440) 942-8449